Cessna 182 vs Commander 112
The Rockwell Commander 112 and Cessna 182 are four-seat singles of different character — the 112 is the sleek, solid-feeling low-wing retractable-era Commander known for a smooth ride; the 182 is the high-wing fixed-gear load-hauling standard.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 182
- For sale now
- 489
- Median asking
- $218,897
- Range
- $104,725–$564,768
- Model years available
- 1956–2026
Commander 112
- For sale now
- 11
- Median asking
- $98,939
- Range
- $74,496–$159,000
- Model years available
- 1975–1977
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Generations Breakdown
Per-generation specs — engine/weight/performance differ materially across production eras.
Per-era “For sale” counts exclude listings with unspecified year and separate variants (RG retractable, Hawk XP), so they may not sum to the total above.
Cessna 182 — 4 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 182 Continental (early) | 1956–1976 | O-470-L/R | 2650 | 140 | 640 | 216 |
| 182 Continental (late) | 1977–1986 | O-470-U | 3100 | 142 | 700 | 86 |
| T182 Turbo | 1981–1986 | TIO-540-AK1A | 3100 | 158 | 970 | 50 |
| 182 Lycoming | 1997–now | IO-540-AB1A5 | 3100 | 145 | 930 | 165 |
Commander 112 — 0 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Cessna 182 | Commander 112 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 2779 | 1 |
| Serious | 249 | 0 |
| Fatal | 529 | 1 |
| Fatalities | 1000 | 1 |
| % Fatal | 19% | 100% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 182 | Commander 112 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $104,725 – $564,768 | $74,496 – $159,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 230–235 HP | 200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 140–158 kts (293 km/h) | 130 kts (241 km/h) |
| Range | 640–970 nm (1,796 km) | 650 nm (1,204 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,100 ft (5,517 m) | 14,800 ft (4,511 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2650–3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) | 1,000 lbs (454 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 92.0 gal (348 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 12.5 GPH (47 L/h) | 10.5 GPH (40 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,700 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $20,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $160 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 182
Fuel$69/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$52,000/yr
Commander 112
Fuel$58/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 182 or Commander 112?
Bottom line: Choose the Cessna 182 for load-hauling, high-wing utility and the deepest support network. Choose the Commander 112 for a smoother ride, sleeker low-wing looks and solid build — accepting a much smaller fleet and parts base.
Pick the 182 if…
- Faster cruise — 140 kts vs 130 kts.
- More inventory — 106 listings vs 3.
Pick the 112 if…
- Budget matters — from $74,496 vs $104,725, you save ~$30,229.
- Longer range — 650 nm vs 640 nm.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between the Commander 112 and Cessna 182?
Fixed vs retractable and wing position. The Cessna 182 (IO-540-AB1A5, 230 hp, 4 seats, high-wing fixed gear, ~140 kt) is the world's most trusted four-seat fixed-gear tourer. The Commander 112 (Lycoming IO-360-C1D6, ~200 hp, 4 seats, low-wing retractable gear, ~135–145 kt) adds retractable gear and a low-wing layout — at the cost of a smaller support community.
Commander 112 or Cessna 182 — which four-seat tourer?
Buy the 182 if: the world's deepest four-seat support network, high-wing visibility, and fixed-gear simplicity define the choice. Buy the Commander 112 if: retractable-gear performance (~140 kt), the Commander's distinctive low-wing styling, and a less common aircraft appeal — accepting the Commander's smaller maintenance community.
How does the speed compare with retractable vs fixed gear?
The Commander 112's retractable gear gives it comparable cruise to the 182 despite a smaller engine (200 hp vs 230 hp) — the gear-drag reduction helps. The 182's fixed gear is simpler and eliminates retractable-gear maintenance. Both cruise in the 135–145 kt range.
How do specs compare?
Cessna 182T: IO-540-AB1A5 (230 hp), 4 seats, high-wing fixed, ~140 kt. Commander 112TC: IO-360-C1D6 (~200 hp), 4 seats, low-wing retractable, ~135–145 kt.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The 182's fixed gear and massive support network give it lower, more predictable operating cost. The Commander 112's retractable gear adds periodic maintenance overhead. The 182 wins on total cost of ownership for most buyers.
Which should I buy?
Cessna 182 for the most supported four-seat touring aircraft — simpler, cheaper to own, universal maintenance. Commander 112 for a retractable-gear four-seater with a distinctive character — if the Commander's smaller community is acceptable.
Which is better, Cessna 182 or Commander 112?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 182 cruises at 140 kts with 640 nm range.
The 112 cruises at 130 kts with 650 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 182: from $104,000.
Commander 112: from $94,507.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 182 and Commander 112?
182 engine: CONTINENTAL O-470-R (230 hp).
Cruise: 140 vs 130 kts.
Range: 640 vs 650 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
182: about $160/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
182: 4 seats / 1,110 lb useful load.
112: 4 seats / 1,000 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
182: 1,700-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data